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Hundreds of Venezuelans pour into streets to mourn Chavez; others rush home as shops close

Supporters of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez embrace outside the military hospital after learning that Chavez has died through an announcement by Venezuela's vice president in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, March 5, 2013. Venezuela's Vice President Nicolas Maduro announced that Chavez died on Tuesday at age 58 after a nearly two-year bout with cancer. During more than 14 years in office, Chavez routinely challenged the status quo at home and internationally. He polarized Venezuelans with his confrontational and domineering style, yet was also a masterful communicator and strategist who tapped into Venezuelan nationalism to win broad support, particularly among the poor. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

CARACAS, Venezuela - Hundreds of anguished Venezuelans poured into the streets of downtown Caracas crying, hugging each other and shouting slogans in support of President Hugo Chavez after learning of his death Tuesday.

Clusters of women with tears streaming down their faces clung to each other and wept near the Miraflores presidential palace. Some wore T-shirts with slogans that read "Go forward commander!"

Nearby, men with grim and sombre faces pumped their arms in the air while shouting "Long live Chavez! Long live Chavismo!"

People also gathered outside the military hospital where Chavez died. Soldiers in riot gear stood shoulder to shoulder guarding the complex.

"I feel such big pain I can't even speak," said Yamilina Barrios, a 39-year-old office worker weeping at a street corner. "He was the best thing the country had ... I adore him. Let's hope the country calms down and we can continue the tasks he left us."

Many people left work and rushed home as shops and offices began to close early and tension gripped the streets in Caracas, capital of a country deeply divided by the socialist programs pursued by the charismatic Chavez.

Cars and buses clogged streets that were passable only by speeding motorcycles. Dozens of extra police officers arrived downtown to help direct traffic and watch the streets.

"I want to go home," said Maria Lover, a 45-year-old housewife. "People are crazy and get too desperate."

Supporters of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez embrace outside the military hospital after learning that Chavez has died through an announcement by Venezuela's vice president in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, March 5, 2013. Venezuela's Vice President Nicolas Maduro announced that Chavez died on Tuesday at age 58 after a nearly two-year bout with cancer. During more than 14 years in office, Chavez routinely challenged the status quo at home and internationally. He polarized Venezuelans with his confrontational and domineering style, yet was also a masterful communicator and strategist who tapped into Venezuelan nationalism to win broad support, particularly among the poor. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)